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In the ongoing murder trial of Abdul Kpaka, charged with the killing of Sia Fatu Kamara, a key testimony was delivered by Dr. Herbert La Kallon, an emergency surgeon, last Friday.
As the seventh prosecution witness, Dr. Kallon provided crucial medical insights into the failed efforts to save the victim’s life.
Dr. Kallon, who was undergoing postgraduate surgical training at the Emergency Government Hospital from July to October 2024, was on duty when Sia Kamara was rushed into the facility on the morning of August 13, 2024.
He described arriving at the critical care area around 8:25 a.m., where an Italian doctor, Dr. Claudio, and a team of nurses were performing CPR on Sia.
In his testimony, Dr. Kallon outlined the resuscitation procedures employed by the team, which included chest compressions, ventilation, monitoring of vital signs, and administering life-saving drugs such as adrenaline and naloxone.
Despite these efforts, he confirmed that Sia showed no signs of life from the moment she was brought in, with zero readings for blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. The electrocardiogram (ECG) also indicated no heart activity.
Dr. Kallon told the court that despite the medical team’s exhaustive efforts, Sia did not respond, leading them to conclude that she was already dead upon arrival. He presented a detailed report confirming the clinical criteria for her death, which was based on a thorough assessment of her vital signs and ECG results.
Under cross-examination by defense attorney Emmanuel Teddy Koroma, Dr. Kallon emphasized his medical expertise and explained the stringent protocols for declaring a patient deceased.
He confirmed that Sia’s lack of vital signs was the primary indicator and dismissed the notion that skin temperature would be relevant in determining her death.
Presiding Judge Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens ordered the accused to remain in custody and adjourned the case to November 8, 2024, for further proceedings.
The trial continues to unfold as the court examines the circumstances leading to Sia Kamara’s tragic death and Abdul Kpaka’s alleged involvement.
